Congratulations to the SAU faculty and staff members recognized for their outstanding service during the 2012-13 school year.

Below are the award recipients, which were announced at the Faculty Awards Dinner on April 12, 2013, and at the Staff Breakfast on March 18, 2013.

During the Faculty Dinner, a tribute video about retiring Professor of Nursing, Mary Armwood, was debuted. The video also announced that beginning in the spring of 2014, a Mary Armwood Diversity Excellence Award will be given each year. Watch the video on SAU’s YouTube channel!

Honor Professor

Steven Ochs

Prof. of Art

Research Award

Vikram Bhadauria

Assist. Prof. of Management Information System

Auburn Smith Service Award

Dr. Alec Testa

Assist. Prof. of Counseling

Robert Walz Teaching Award

Michael Britt

Instructor of Music and Assist. Dir. Of SAU Bands

Calvin Wetzig Teaching Award

Stephanie Seymour

Assist. Prof. of Nursing

Recipient of the John G. Ragsdale, Jr.

and Dora J. Ragsdale Endowed Professorship

of Arkansas Studies

Dr. Ben Johnson

Prof. of History

Mary Anna King Whitehead

Professional Staff Excellence Award

Robert “Rock” Jones

Skilled Trades Supervisor (Painting)

Mary Anna King Whitehead

Support Staff Excellence Award

Richard “Neal” Richerson

Skilled Trades Worker (Mechanic)

•  Spring Break is next week! Staff will be working four 10-hour days, like the summer schedule (Mon. – Thur., 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch). The annual staff breakfast is at 8 a.m. on Monday, and there will be video shown you will not want to miss!
• Dr. Claude Baker, who made his YouTube dancing debut with Mulerider Style, has a follow up that is equally funny with a recent reenactment of a whooping crane mating dance he performed for a class with Pablo Bacon.
• The 2013 Spring Concert artist will be pop duo Karmin. Listen to “Brokenhearted” for a preview of this exciting up-and-coming group.
• According to SAU Senior Gardener Marty Davis, the migration of bluebirds and indigo buntings are back and looking for nesting locations. She urges any bird lovers to adopt a site on campus, buy a nesting box, and install it on a tree so we all can enjoy their beauty during the week.
• Faculty and staff are welcome to bring their lunch and join the Mulerider Fitness Program each Monday for a 30 minute weight loss support group. The goal is to help support each other through face-to-face conversations each week and an active online community. Members are welcome to share successes, failures, tips, and experiences in their weight loss and maintenance journeys.
• Josh Kee represented SAU well when he was interviewed at KATV channel 7 for Mid-day Arkansas recently to promote the upcoming Rip Powell Memorial Golf Tournament, which will be April 12 at Magnolia Country Club.
• Josh Kee also served on the faculty at the Spring Workshop for Newcomers in Development and the Intro to Personal Solicitation Workshops for Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Pittsburgh, Penn., on February 4-7. Kee presented on topics such as Annual Fund Basics, Energizing and Empowering Volunteers, Corporate and Foundation Giving, Stewardship, Personal Solicitation, and High-End Solicitations in the Annual Fund. Josh will be on the CASE District IV Conference Board as the Co-chair of Registration for the upcoming CASE District IV Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas, on March 23 – 26. District IV represents Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
• SAU Human Resources is currently overseeing searches for nine open faculty positions and three staff positions.
• One of the more recent job postings is that of the University Editor position, which is being vacated by Toni Walthall. Toni recently received award notification of a CASE District IV accolade in a highly competitive higher education public relations writing competition for a series of stories she produced in 2012. We wish Toni well in her move and future endeavors.
• Aaron Street recently earned two Collegiate Advertising Awards: a Gold award for his portrait series of Mulerider student-athletes and Silver for the 2012 Mulerider promo made to mimic an intense movie trailer.
• The previously mentioned Mulerider promo starred the Mulerider on Molly B, as did many video features in recent years. More than 100 Molly B fans came to where the beloved mule greeted visitors to SAU Thursday for a memorial service. Molly B passed away Tuesday, March 5, after carrying the Mulerider for 20 years at SAU. See the photos from the event… Also, take a moment to share a Molly B memory at www.saumag.edu/mollyb.
• The Arkansas State Employees Association is asking for nominations for the A.S.E.A. Outstanding State Employee Award given at their Annual Convention banquet held in August. The outstanding employee is one who demonstrates commitment and integrity while serving the State of Arkansas. See the attached nomination form. Nominations must be received by July 1, 2013.
• All employees who are members of APERS (Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System) can go online to find out more information about seminars that APERS will be presenting.
• Confused by the Copy Center tickets? Check out our Copy Center tips and reminders web page, which also has information about our online submission form for print jobs.

CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT UPDATES FROM THE PHYSICAL PLANT

• The new Financial Aid office suites have been completed on the third floor of Overstreet. This 4,500 square-foot facility will greatly improve the University’s ability to provide student financial services. The new occupants will move in upon arrival of the office furniture. The Physical Plant will start work on an adjacent restroom in the near future.
• The concrete work for the 2012 graduation sidewalk was poured on the east side of the bell tower. Brick masons will arrive soon to lay the engraved brick.
• Flood damage repairs to Cross Hall are ongoing. Painting and carpentry work is almost completed. Hallway carpet will be installed next week as will new exterior signage.
• Flood drainage systems are currently under construction to protect Magale Library and Cross Hall. Both of those buildings suffered water damage from the 100-year rainstorm several months ago.
•  Dolph Camp Recital Hall renovations are on schedule for completion April 1, 2013. This $75,000 project is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Improvements include new paint, paneling, carpet, drapes, lighting and seat upholstery.
• The Rider Rink project is well underway and should be completed by mid-April. This project includes renovation of the restrooms and new floor surfacing in the entry and assembly areas.
• Estimated completion date for University Village Phase II is August 1, 2013. This residence hall is a $5.2 million addition to campus and will house 60 beds.
• The $350,000 Arkansas State Highway Grant campus sidewalk program will be complete within the next two weeks.
• Timber removal for the new softball entrance road has been completed. The new road will be constructed with asphalt milling and connect Farm Road to the softball facility. This project is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, weather permitting.
• New Americans with Disabilities Act parking lot near the Millennium Bridge has been completed. This will provide handicap accessible parking for football, softball, and Welcome Center events. Asphalt millings will be used to improve access to parking in the near future.
• The construction contract for the new Ribble Strength and Training Facility has been issued. This facility will provide parking for approximately 60 vehicles and temporary parking for visiting football team’s buses. We hope this project will start within the next 30 days.
• Phase IV to the University Walking Trail system has been on hold due to wet weather. This addition will connect Phase III to the initial trail starting point on East University and provide a very scenic walk around the duck pond.
• Plans for the $1.25 million Rodeo Arena Phase II are well underway. During this phase, the facility reception center, site utilities, entrance road, and limited parking and fire prevention systems will be addressed. We hope to open bids within the next 45 days.
• Plans are well underway for Agriculture Phase II. This $500,000 project includes two greenhouses, a head house, site utilities, water well, orchard, and fencing. Projected bid date is in approximately 90 days.
• District Heat/Cooling 12B is 95% complete. This project will greatly improve campus energy management systems and efficiencies. Measurement and verification of energy savings will be ongoing over the next 12 months.
• We want to compliment everyone involved in campus efforts to reduce energy. We are pleased that the Building Captain Program has been central to this effort and appreciate everyone’s hard work.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• SAU baseball teamed up with Home Sweet Bone and raised more than $500 for surgery to help a sweet dog named Scarlett at the ballgames Saturday, March 9.
• Also on Saturday, Members of the SAU fishing team took a break from the lake and visited Dudneywood to play bingo with the residents.
• Alpha Phi Omega Co-ed Service Fraternity, Inc. and other SAU organizations are hosting a community-wide Easter Egg hunt on March 30. Children between the ages of one and 12 are invited to SAU’s mall area from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for fun-filled activities and egg hunting.
• Malaria kills one in three children under the age of five each year in Africa. SAU’s Chapter of Psi Chi is doing a service project to help protect those children and their families. Psi Chi is selling hand-made bracelets and hand-sewn saddle bags through the Kairos 10 non-profit organization. For more information, contact Dr. Deborah Wilson at djwilson@saumag.edu or 870.235.4324 or check out the website at www.kairos10.com.
• The Clothesline Project will be on campus for the sixth year on April 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Reynolds Grand Hall. The project is a part of Dr. Chrisanne Christensen’s social psychology class. It displays memorials to women and children murdered in domestic violence and provides a unique opportunity for students to develop skills in team work, community involvement, and build awareness of social issues. The project is in collaboration with the Arkansas Council Against Domestic Violence.
• SAU’s Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation had a host of student, faculty, and staff volunteers at the Area Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at the W.T. Watson gym on February 15. See the photos…

CONGRATULATIONS

• Bryce Harman, ’04 and Virginia Harman, ’02 announce the birth of their second son, Jude Meriwether Harman. Jude was born on January 29, 2013, in Great Falls, Montana. He weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and was 19 and 3/4 inches long.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, March 15

•  Southwest Regional Science Fair at SAU

Monday, March 18

• Annual Staff Breakfast

Monday, March 18 – Friday, March 22

• SPRING BREAK!

Friday, March 29

• Academy Award nominated animator Bill Plympton will be at Foundation Hall to sign autographs, show his animated films, and speak about his work.

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.
It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.
If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.

• Today is the last day to submit nominations for the professional and support staff awards to be given out on March 18 at the Annual Staff Breakfast! Contact TammySims@saumag.edu for more information.
• Monday, February 18, is the last day to turn in your nominations for the Faculty Excellence Awards. Contact LaTriciaDavis@saumag.edu for more information.
• Let’s all vote for SAU’s cross country champion Mickey Hammer for the Team Star of Tomorrow Award. It only takes a second and your vote could help Mickey win!
• Upward Bound Director Jerry Thomas became Dr. Jerry Thomas after successfully defending his dissertation on Tuesday, Feb. 5. He completed his doctorate in Educational Administration.
• Brad Stout of the UPD was recently highlighted in The Bray Online for his positive attitude. “Stout is one of the many people at SAU that helps to make things run smoothly,” writes Justin VanHoose, Bray staff reporter. “Without him, our school would not be what we have grown to know it as today.”
• Also in the news, UPD Interim Chief Boyd Good was the first of SAU’s UPD officers to be highlighted in the Banner-News’ Hometown Heroes spotlight, at right, on page 12 of paper on Thursday, February 7.
• SAU is keeping track of possible Arkansas legislation regarding concealed weapons on university campuses. The KTBS 3 Wednesday 5 p.m. newscast headlined with a report from SAU on this issue. Watch the news piece online.
• University Health Services and University Housing need wheelchairs to disperse across campus in the residence halls. Do you have a used wheelchair you would like to donate? Contact Director of Health Services Judy Hines for more information.
• The SAU Writing Center staff would like to thank Dr. Trey Berry for his generosity with technology this semester.  The writing consultants look forward to having even more successful conferences using the large screens and the laptop.
• Inspirational Homework: watch “Postman delivers lessons in happiness.”  This two-minute video feature by CBS Sunday morning highlights a postal worker at Penn State University whose positive attitude has had a lasting impact with thousands of students for more than 38 years.
• Building Captain training was conducted on February 2, 2013. A Building Captain is the senior staff or faculty member in a designated area who is the point of contact for emergency actions. The 2012-13 campus Building Captain list is attached. They play a vital role as the link between the building occupants and the University support agencies such as the Physical Plant, Information Technology Services, and the University Police. They also serve to coordinate reaction to weather alerts, physical security and safety, promote energy conservation, and provide building issue feedback to the support agencies (temperature, maintenance, safety, security, etc.). More than 40 faculty and staff attended the training, which was initiated with opening remarks from Dr. Rankin followed by presentations from the Physical Plant, UPD, and the Dean of Students. Building Captain Policies and Procedures will soon be published and distributed based on feedback from the group.
• Physical Plant employs “Watts Watcher” – Due to an unexpected $300,000 shortfall in this year’s electrical budget, the SAU Physical Plant has employed a “Watts Watcher” initiative with a walk-through of all the buildings after hours to identify lights or computers left on or thermostats that have an inappropriate setting. The “Watts Watcher” will note the time and date of the finding, post a sticker as shown at right, and submit a weekly rollup report to the administration. The Physical Plant will also notify the responsible Building Captain. If you see one of these stickers posted in your area, we ask that you please take action to prevent a reoccurrence. Did you know that one light left on overnight will waste enough electricity to heat 1,000 cups of coffee?
• According to the 2012-2013 ACT Class Profile report, the fall 2012 full-time freshmen ACT average for SAU was 22.3.
• The current show in Brinson Fine Art Gallery is a collection of photographs by Peter Jones, who recently retired from LA Tech where he has been teaching for more than 20 years.  It is a great show that combines photographs from when he was in Europe in the 1960’s with some of his recent works.
• Planning a survey? The SAU Web office has a discounted Survey Monkey subscription. Shelley Keith and Chantal Brice would be happy to create your survey with the content you provide. You will be able to access the password-protected results, so you will be able to get to your data and run your own reports. E-mail shelleykeith@saumag.edu or chantalbrice@saumag.edu for more information.

In our Thoughts

• Giselé Souter passed away on February 5, 2013. Funeral services were February 9 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Souter was an SAU Honor Professor and Professor Emerita of French, teaching at SAU from 1975 to 1995. Memorial donations may be made to the Gisele Souter Assistant Professor in Foreign Languages Emerita Scholarship Fund at Southern Arkansas University, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, AR 71754.  Read her full obituary here.

Congratulations

• 

  Ryder Herron

  Ryder Smith Herron, photo at right, was born at 12:59 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at Saint Michael’s in Texarkana. He was 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and 20.5 inches long. Ryder and mother, Kandice, director of campus activities, are doing well.

Kimberly (Franks) Bailey

• Kimberly (Franks) Bailey, ’99 and Jon Bailey proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Presley Elise, photo at right, on November 30, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and was 20 inches long. She is welcomed home by brother, Dylan (7). Grandparents are Randy and Jan Franks, (University Housing Office) of Magnolia.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, February 14

• The 21^st Annual SAU Wildlife Presentation by Tom Ulrich will be held in Foundation Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. Find out more about Ulrich at www.tomulrichphotos.com.

Friday, February 15

• Retired SAU professor Dr. Robert “Bob” Terry will award the fourth SI Scholarship at 3:30 p.m. in Grand Hall B.

Friday, March 15

• SAU Regional Science Fair – the annual science fair brings around 700 visitors and around 500 student and group projects to campus.
• The STEM Center needs volunteers for judges and set up and tear down. University faculty, staff, students, and friends of the University are encouraged to sign up to help. Contact Dr. Scott White or see the sign up list on the bulletin board outside of SCI 312.

MISS AN EVENT?

SEE THE PHOTOS… 

• SAU Baseball vs. Wylie College 2-5-13 (15 photos)

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The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.
It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.
If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.

• It was standing room only with around 500 in attendance for the Agriculture Center dedication on Friday, January 25, and agri student Clint Lively got a standing ovation for his speech about the future of agriculture and SAU agri. Check out the two videos produced by SAU Communications:
  • SAU Agriculture Center Dedication (3:53)
  • SAU student Clint Lively’s inspirational speech (7:17)
• Aaron Street and Michael Kornegay earned “Best of Show” honors for Mulerider Style at the 10^th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards. According to the SIAA press release, nearly 2,000 entries were evaluated by a national panel of judges. Mulerider Style got the “Gold Award” for “Special Video Production” and was one of nine coveted “Best of Show” recipients. YouTube views for Mulerider Style continue to rise. The total view count is up to more than 41,500. KATV Channel 7 has featured the award announcement on their newscast and website.
• The Blue and Gold Cafeteria has opened a new gluten-free line with a good response from students.
• The famous Punxsutawney Phil groundhog did not see his shadow on February 2, so spring is coming early this year. As you walk across campus, take every opportunity to thank Senior Gardener Marty Davis and the rest of the Physical Plant grounds crew for all of their hard work to make SAU a beautiful place to work and attract students!
• The University Village Convenience Store has a cool new offering: a Freal milkshake machine. (see photo at right)
  • Yummy flavor options:
    • Milkshake flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, caramel and chocolate crunch, mint-chocolate chip, cookies and cream
    • Smoothie flavors: strawberry-banana, mango, and blueberry-raspberry-pomegranate
    • Iced-coffee: Frozen cappuccino and mocha
    • Price is $3.79, and the Village C-Store is open to anyone on campus!
• Our friendly campus is not just inviting to prospective students. In fact, one campus resident stopped traffic on East Lane Friday afternoon as she was carrying a newborn across the street and then up a tree. The mother raccoon had her adorable newborn in her mouth.
• Del Duke has accepted the position of Interim Director for Magale Library for 2013-14.
• Five student members of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, will be presenting at the 2013 Sigma Tau Delta Convention in Portland, Oregon, over Spring Break. Clint Winters will be presenting his creative nonfiction work. Morgan Johnson and James Schlag will be reading their original poetry collections. Kody Kasper and Majesta Miles will present their original works of fiction. Drs. Sara Day and Shannin Schroeder will attend as well, with Sara on the program as a session moderator and Shannin serving as Secretary/Treasurer on the national board. This marks the twelfth consecutive Sigma Tau Delta convention where SAU students have presented.
• New hires to the Mulerider family:
  • Patricia Williams – Administrative Specialist II, Physical Plant
  • Jody Nations – Instructor of Accounting
  • Daniel Gallegos – Sports Information Director
  • Andrea Johnson – Admin. Spec. II, Student Support Services
  • Karen Pierce – Assistant Controller
• University Housing is proud to announce that the new building quickly taking shape near the University Village, see photo below, will be primarily for sophomores. It will house interest groups with themes such as “Pay it Forward,” “Going Green,” and “Wellness.” Faculty members will be able to participate by being mentors for the various interest groups.

In Our Thoughts

• Family and friends of SAU student Johnathon Dempsey, who passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2013. Graveside services were held on Monday, February 4, 2013. Memorial donations may be made to CCAPS, Columbia County Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 2003, Magnolia, AR 71754. More information is available in his obituary.
• Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 30, 2013, for Denise Moseley’s son, Daniel Clifton Moseley, SAU alum and former Mulerider baseball player.
• Vicki Butler’s father passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Thursday, January 31, 2013. Funeral services were Saturday, February 2, 2013.
• Claudia “Penny” Lyons went to 1/5 time on February 1.

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday, February 5
  • A baby shower in honor of Laura Wilkerson will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation. The “come and go” event is hosted by Enrollment Services.
• Wednesday, February 6
  • A baby shower in honor of Kandice Herron to help welcome baby Ryder will be “come and go” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Reynolds 205. Kandice is registered at Wal-Mart and Target.
• Wednesday, February 13, and Thursday, February 14
  • The 21^st Annual SAU Wildlife Presentation by Tom Ulrich will be held both nights in Foundation Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. Find out more about Ulrich at www.tomulrichphotos.com

MISS AN EVENT?

SEE THE PHOTOS…

 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2013 (21 photos)

Agriculture Building Dedication (31 photos)

Agriculture Center and Stables 1-28-13 (29 photos)

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.
It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.
If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to: diary@saumag.edu.

•  A campus-wide energy efficiency initiative is about to be put into place. Start thinking of ways your department can cut down on energy consumption: turn off your computers at the end of the day, turn off lights when you leave the room, turn off printers and other electronics that are not in use, and turn off your heater/air conditioner at the end of the day.
• Only two students in the fall were reported as having missed classes and subsequently had to return portions of their financial aid. Great job, SAU faculty and staff, on instilling to students the importance of attending class and for recording attendance in your classes!
• Digital purchase orders are coming soon! System implementation is scheduled for February and training is set for March.
• Jan Duke, chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, has decided to retire at the end of this fiscal year in June. We wish him well in retirement and congratulate Dr. Deborah Wilson, who will take over as chair of the department on July 1.
• Jason Martisek, of SAU International Student Services, is gearing up for a recruiting trip to India on January 30. He is taking two suitcases packed full of SAU promotional materials, and is hoping to use his carry-on for clothes and personal items.
• The SAU cheerleading squad has been invited for an all-expenses paid trip to march in two Mardi Gras parades with other university cheerleaders in Alexandria, Louisiana. The parades scheduled are The Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders Parade for Friday, Feb. 8, and the Children’s Parade for that Saturday.

•  The winter 2013 edition of The SAU Stater is being delivered this week. The full-color, 32-page magazine includes a cover story, “Home Away From Home,” on the SAU international student population, along with six other features, campus news, Mulerider athletic news, Foundation and Alumni news.
•  If you need support or encouragement with your 2013 New Year’s resolution to stay fit, sign up to participate in the SAU Fit Club Weight Loss or Fitness Challenges. Incentives include monthly prizes, t-shirts for those who weigh in at least nine times this semester, and a healthy new lifestyle! Sign up at the University Health Services Offices at REY 215 or in the MAC.
• Want to take your fitness a step further? The Exercise Science Students are offering FREE personal training for faculty and staff. Contact Marianne Woodard at MCWoodard@saumag.edu by 5 p.m. today!
• SAU’s Upward Bound program was recently selected as a recipient of an Afterschool Meals Program Mini-Grant for $1,000 from Share Our Strength and the Arkansas No Kid Hungry Campaign. Funds are to be used for outreach materials, transportation, and general operating costs.
• The Office of Student Life and University Police Department have relocated to Childs Hall. Their offices may be reached at: Student Life, 213 Childs Hall, (870)235-4041; University Police, 210 Childs Hall, (870) 235-4100.
• If you have not gotten your complimentary copy of the 2011-12 Mulerider Yearbook or the SAU 2013 Calendar, both are available to be picked up at the Communications Center, Nelson Hall 115.

CONSTRUCTION and PROJECT UPDATES

•  Rodeo Arena:  Phase 1 of the arena is complete. Phase II planning is underway and construction is scheduled to start in April and finish in December of this year.
• University Village II:  First-floor framing is complete and curbing for the parking lots is underway. The new building should be completely “in the dry” by mid-April.
• Campus Sidewalks:  The sidewalk project is approximately 75% complete. Still remaining are the walkways on the east side of the Business Building, Legacy Lane at the Welcome Center, and additional sidewalks on the north side of the Auburn Smith Field House at the football stadium.
• Agriculture Center: The new Agriculture Center was put into operation at the beginning of this semester. The dedication is scheduled for January 25 (more information in Upcoming Events below).
• Walking Trail Phase IV:  This phase of the project is well underway, but has been delayed due to weather. Construction activity around the duck pond and by the intramural field should start soon.
• The Overstreet Hall third floor, east end renovations:  The renovations are approximately 70% complete. Painting and wall finishes are ongoing, and ceilings and lights will be installed soon.

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.

It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.

If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.

• The Residence Hall Association and the Housing Office would like to thank all those faculty and staff who made or gave money for desserts for the 11^th Annual RHA Turkey Dinner held on November 15 at the First United Methodist Church. More than 300 people, including 67 children, were fed a full Thanksgiving meal.
• The Arkansas Department of Human Services’ publication, “The Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers” was also recently published, and SAU has a good showing with 27,146 volunteer hours logged during 2011 from 1,238 volunteers with a savings of $773,000.
• The 2011-12 Mulerider Yearbooks have arrived and are being distributed at the information desk in the Reynolds Center. They are FREE for faculty, staff, and students. This year’s book is 231 pages of full-color photos and text about the great year last year and the Muleriders who continue to “Carry the Flame.”
• The students, faculty, and staff of SAU sent a total of 300 Christmas cards to soldiers deployed overseas through the “Cards of Caring” project on campus and Operation Gratitude.

A quick look at:

CONSTRUCTION

Future home of Financial Aid on the third floor of Overstreet. Goal is to complete by April 2013.

New pavilion at the University Village.

Foundation work on new apartment building at University Village.

Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2013.

CONGRATULATIONS

• Jana Walker delivered twin babies Wednesday, December 12, 2012. One was a boy, 6’13”, and the other a girl, 6’5”. All are doing well.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Now until December 19

• Stop in to the Community Offices in the Reynolds Center and adopt angels from the Columbia County Angel Tree as hundreds of angels are still available. Also, donations of money, time, or wrapping supplies are welcomed. For more information, contact Dr. Shannin Schroeder at 870-235-4211.

November 19 – December 14

• Magale Library is sponsoring a Forgive and Forget Canned Food Drive.

Check out the new SAU Community Involvement website at http://web.saumag.edu/community/.

Community Involvement is at the heart of SAU’s Complete College Experience, and it is evident as SAU is the only university in Arkansas to be on the President’s Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction.

UPCOMING EVENTS

•  December 14
  • Fall Commencement Ceremonies
•  December 21
  • Payday!
  • Next payday is January 31, 2013, so budget wisely.
• January 7 – 8
  • Late registration and Advising
• January 9
  • Classes begin
• January 21
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• January 25
  • Dedication of the SAU Agriculture Center
  • Noon – 12:30 p.m. – Dedication Ceremony in the Grand Hall of the Reynolds Center. Immediately following will be an Open House at the Agriculture Center.
  • Subway sandwiches and refreshments will be available.

MISS AN EVENT?

SEE THE PHOTOS or VIDEO…

Magnolia Christmas Parade and SAU Celebration of Lights (26 photos)

Silent Night at the Men’s Basketball game (3:15 video; was featured on KATV sports Monday night)

Feeding Frenzy 12-11-12 (22 photos)

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.

It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.

If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.

•  As the University Police Department will be relocating to Childs Hall over the holiday break, plans are underway to paint the area near the new Bruce Center Food Court and set up the largest room to be designated as the faculty and staff dining area.
• The Bell Tower will not be red this year. Physical Plant employees have been prepared a new look for the lighting of the bell tower for the 29^th Annual Celebration of Lights. The red bulbs used in the past have been replaced with LED rope lights.
• Alumni and Housing have been working on  new “Mulerider Style” Mulerider reindeer on skates in a Celebration of Lights yard display at the Welcome Center (see photo at right). The plan is to allow organizations to decorate additional Muleriders next year to represent their group to add to the impressive display.
• All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to make an ornament for the Student Government Association’s new ornament tree in the Reynolds Center for the SAU community and bring it to Reynolds 101 to have hung up.
• Culvert work and bridging has started around the SAU Duck Pond for Phase IV of the SAU Walking Trail system.  This $120,000 project will complete a two-mile loop around campus.
• Soil stabilization and initial foundation layout will be complete next week for the 60-bed, $5.5 million addition to the SAU University Village.  The project is expected to be completed in time for Fall 2013 occupation.
• Furniture is scheduled to arrive on December 17 for SAU’s new $6.4 million Agriculture Center. Faculty and staff will move in shortly after the future installation is complete, and classes will be held there starting in the spring semester. This 30,000 square-foot facility will provide state of the art technology and ensure the SAU agriculture program is among the top in Arkansas and the region. A dedication ceremony is tentatively scheduled for January 25, 2013.
• The $350,000 Campus Sidewalk Improvement Program is well underway. Upon completion of the Auburn Smith Field House, the contractor will move to the Welcome Center to start construction on the “Walk of Fame,” which is expected to take approximately 30 to 45 days.
• Construction on the $35,000 University Village Pavilion will continue next week. The metal building components were recently delivered and hopefully weather will allow assembly in the near future.
• Bids will be opened on both the Rider Rink upgrades and Dolph Camp Recital Hall renovation on December 6.
• The Louis Blanchard Accounting Endowment was established by Jerry and Lynn Mayfield and The Madison Charitable Foundation, Inc.
• The annual Honors Society Dinner on November 9 celebrated the completion of ten endowments during the 2011-12 fiscal year.
• A new SAU Complete College Experience Commercial will be airing for a month starting on December 14 at Little Rock’s hottest iMax theatre, the Chenal 9 IMAX. The spot was produced by Aaron Street and features clips representing engaging academics, community involvement, hands-on learning, and SAU’s active campus. Appearing in the commercial are Sarah Jennings, Steven Ochs, Dr. Adbel Bachri, Dr. Tim Schroeder, Sheryl Edwards, and a number of students.
• A new commercial for the School of Graduate Studies and their MAT program will air for a month in the Texarkana Cinemark 14 Theatre starting December 14. It was produced by Aaron Street and features alum Patrice Phillips.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

•  TODAY
  • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – These Hands Don’t Hurt is an event in the Mall Area to bring awareness about domestic violence and to raise money for the local women’s battered shelter. The SAU community is encouraged to make a donation and pledge to not be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. It is sponsored by Alpha Kappa Lambda.
• Now until December 19
  • Volunteers are needed to help with the Columbia County Angel Tree, which is co-sponsored by SAU’s Sigma Tau Delta and Lambda Alpha Beta. Donations are also welcomed. For more information, e-mail Dr. Shannin Schroeder or Dr. Tim Schroeder.
• November 19 – December 14
  • Magale Library is sponsoring a Forgive and Forget Canned Food Drive.
•  Now until December 5
  • SAU International Student Services is assembling Christmas grab bags for foster children they will be hosting for a “Christmas Around the World” event.
  • Donations, such as candy, fingernail files, toothbrushes, pens, pencils, cups, t-shirts, etc, are greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off at the Global Center or will be picked up if you call 235-5149.
• December 6
  • 5 p.m. – International Student Services “Christmas Around the World” third annual Christmas party for around 35 foster children ranging in ages from 10-17.
• November 28, 29, and 30
  • Cards of Caring – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Reynolds foyer – You are invited to send Christmas and holiday greetings to soldiers currently deployed in overseas locations. A selection of cards will be available. Sponsored by the Veterans Resource Center.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

•  TONIGHT
  • 29^th Annual Celebration of Lights
    • 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Movie: A Christmas Carol
      • Reynolds Center, Foundation Hall
    • 5 – 6 p.m. – Magnolia Christmas Parade
    • 5 – 9 p.m. – Vendors/Ice Skating
      • SAU Mall/Reynolds Center Plaza
    • 6 – 6:15 p.m. – RHA Overstreet Lighting
      • Greetings and Caroling and Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Centennial Tree at Overstreet Hall
    • 6:20 p.m. – Reynolds Center Activities
      • Program, hand bells, refreshments, announcement of parade winners, greetings from Santa, and the lighting of the bell tower
    • 6:30 – 8 p.m. – Buffet Dinner
      • Reynolds Center, Grand Hall
      • Tickets: Adult, $7.50; Child (ages 6-12), $3.75
•  December 4, 5, and 6
  • Department of Theatre and Mass Communications presents Doubt, A Parable
• December 6
  • Silent Countdown and Costume Contest at the Mulerider Basketball game
    • 7:30 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Gym
    • Curious?…get inspired to participate by watching this YouTube video.
• December 11 – 14
  • Finals Week
• December 11
  • Late Night Feeding Frenzy
• December 14
  • Fall Commencement Ceremonies

 MISS AN EVENT?

SEE THE PHOTOS…

Murphy lecture – FOX News business analyst, Tobin Smith 11-8-12 (12 photos)

Veteran’s Day 2012 (26 photos)

International Education Week 2012 (27 photos)

Historic Plaza Dedication (22 photos)

Elementary students visit the SAU Teaching and Learning Fair 2012 (26 photos)

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.

It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.

If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.

• Work schedules for SAU staff members will be adjusted for the Thanksgiving holiday next week as follows: Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Campus will be closed Wednesday through Friday, and there will be five-hours of mandatory leave taken from 12-month faculty and staff.
• The SAU Food Court has been a success as the aroma of fried chicken lures students, faculty, staff and community members into the Bruce Center. Find hours of operation and additional information here.
• SAU’s hit music video Mulerider Style is inching closer and closer to 35,000 views. It has been featured on KTHV Channel 11 news and numerous news websites, including Arkansas Business, Arkansas Times, and the Center for Digital Education.
• Land clearing for Phase IV of the SAU Walking Trail system started last week. This $120K project will complete a two-mile loop around campus that will enable walking and exercise for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Earth work for the SAU University Village Phase II project will be completed next week. This 60-bed, $5.5 million living complex will be a much-welcomed addition for on-campus students. The project is expected to be completed in time for Fall 2013.
• The SAU $6.4 million Agriculture Center is expected to be completed next week and ready for classes this spring. This 30,000 square-foot facility will provide state-of-the-art technology and ensure our agriculture program is among the top in Arkansas and the region.
• The $350,000 Campus Sidewalk Improvement Program is well underway. Upon completion of the section between Reynolds and Talley-Talbot, the contractor will move to the Auburn Smith Field House to finalize that portion of the project. We expect this to take approximately 30 days. Next up will be the leg between the Welcome Center and the Alumni Bridge.
• Construction on the $35,000 University Village Pavilion will continue next week.
• Open Enrollment for group health, vision, and dental insurance began Monday, November 12, 2012, and will end December 07, 2012. USAble will be on campus on December 6 for anyone who wishes to enroll in any additional insurance they offer.

CONGRATULATIONS

• Lesley Robertson and James “Coach” Robertson were married on November 2, 2012, by Jeremy Langley.
• Ann Marie Sands and her husband, John Sands, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Kaylynn Grace Sands (six-pounds, five ounces and 20.5 inches), at 8:32 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012.

 CONDOLENCES

• J.C. Allen passed away on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 at the age of 85. Allen was a former SAU employee and grandfather to Shelley Keith. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Eric Goble officiating.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

• Wednesday, November 14
  • International Education Week – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Reynolds Center Grand Hall.
  • A Teaching and Learning Fair, hosted by the Teacher Education Department and the Educational Renewal Zone, will welcome students to campus for various activities from around 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The students are visiting from Union Elementary in Texarkana.
  • Cultural Identity of Russia Public Lecture Series (A Look at Russia: Breaking Stereotypes) Dr. Anna Ivanova – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Wilson 312.
• Thursday, November 15
  • WTF/WTF Day – SAU Agriculture students will be taking part in a nationwide movement known as “Where’s the Food Without the Farmer.” SAU Agri representatives will be seen in typically non-Agriculture areas of the campus explaining what Agriculture provides for all of us on campus.
  • Free Flu Shot Clinic – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Grand Hall. Bring your insurance card and driver’s license to receive the shot. To expedite your wait time come by University Health first to get the form you will have to fill out.
  • World Religions Bake Sale – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Reynolds Center.
  • Historic Campus Plaza Dedication Ceremony – 12:30 p.m. in front of Harton Theatre with a reception and refreshments following the ceremony.
  • The 11^th Annual RHA Turkey Dinner will be at the First Methodist Church for people in need from the Magnolia area. They are serving a complete Thanksgiving meal with turkey, vegetables (donated by Aramark), and dessert. Aramark is also donating their time and facilities in preparing the turkeys and side dishes.
  • The Heritage Singers and Chamber Singers of SAU will present their fall concert – Folk Songs and Traditional Spirituals – 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia.

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• Thursday, November 29
  • 29^th Annual Celebration of Lights

The Mulerider Diary is a product of the SAU Communications Center.

It is produced to help keep faculty and staff at SAU informed about all of the exciting things taking place around campus.

If you have any suggestions or submissions, please e-mail them to diary@saumag.edu.